Brand New: Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Posted 9 years ago

With a huge amount of new titles due for release over the coming weeks, we take a look at ‘Electrical Safety in the Workplace’ and explore why good electrical safety is crucial to all workplaces – whatever industry you’re operating in.

When it comes to electrical safety, all of us have a duty to understand the hazards associated with electricity in the workplace – even those whose job doesn’t specifically involve working around electricity.

Each year, thousands of accidents involving electricity are reported to the HSE. Whilst most fatalities are associated with contact with overhead power lines, there are still many shock and burn accidents that still cause harm, and can be avoided with some straightforward safety precautions. The main hazards associated with electricity are as follows;

• Shocks and burns from contact with live parts – even mains voltage of 230 volts can kill
• Unchecked electrical faults that can cause fires
• Fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere.

In order to remain safe where electricity is concerned, it is necessary to be aware of the risks associated with electricity, as well as being able to perform an appropriate risk assessment. An electrical safety risk assessment should take into account the major risks and should help you to decide what action needs to be taken in order to use and maintain electrical equipment and installations safely.

Our latest eLearning course – Electrical Safety in the Workplace – is a programme that is suitable for everybody, because everyone comes into contact with electrical appliances in their day to day working life. It is designed to help you comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations, as well as covering what to do in the event of an electrical emergency (RIDDOR). You can view the HSE’s brief guide to Electrical Safety here.